Maximize Your Defenses: The Ultimate Guide to Farming Defense EVs in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Looking to fortify your Pokémon team and turn them into unshakeable defensive walls? Then you’ve come to the right place! The most efficient place to farm Defense EVs (Effort Values) in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is undeniably the Asado Desert. This area, specifically around the location where you battle the Quaking Earth Titan, is teeming with Pokémon that offer pure Defense EV yields, making it the ideal spot to boost your Pokémon’s Defense stat as quickly as possible.
Understanding Defense EVs
Before we dive into the best farming methods, let’s quickly recap what Defense EVs are and why they’re so crucial. EVs are hidden stat points that your Pokémon gain by battling and defeating other Pokémon. Unlike IVs (Individual Values), which are inherent and unchangeable, EVs can be manipulated to optimize your Pokémon’s stats based on your strategic needs. By focusing on specific Pokémon types and utilizing certain items, you can directly influence which stats receive these valuable points.
The Asado Desert Advantage
The Asado Desert is the top spot for Defense EV training because of the high concentration of Pokémon like Scatterbug and Tarountula. Both of these Bug-type Pokémon give 1 base Defense EV. When coupled with items like the Power Belt, this farming spot becomes incredibly efficient. Additionally, activating Encounter Power: Bug via a sandwich will dramatically increase the spawn rate of these beneficial Pokémon.
Essential Tools for Efficient EV Farming
To maximize your Defense EV gains, you’ll need a few key items:
- Power Belt: This held item grants an additional +8 Defense EVs for every Pokémon defeated. This item dramatically speeds up the EV training process. It can be purchased at Delibird Presents shops across Paldea.
- Encounter Power Sandwiches: Craft or purchase sandwiches that provide Encounter Power: Bug. This will significantly increase the spawn rate of Scatterbug and Tarountula, allowing you to defeat more Pokémon in less time.
- A Pokémon with a High-Power, Multi-Target Move: Moves like Earthquake or Rock Slide can quickly defeat multiple Pokémon at once, accelerating your farming. Ensure your Pokemon is a high enough level that auto battles are effective.
Step-by-Step Defense EV Training in the Asado Desert
- Prepare your Pokémon: Equip your chosen Pokémon with the Power Belt.
- Activate Encounter Power: Bug: Make a sandwich or purchase one that boosts Bug-type encounters.
- Head to the Asado Desert: Travel to the area surrounding the Titan battle location.
- Start Defeating Pokémon: Engage in battles with Scatterbug and Tarountula, focusing on defeating as many as possible as quickly as possible.
- Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of how many EVs your Pokémon has gained. Remember, you can allocate a maximum of 252 EVs to a single stat and a total of 510 EVs across all stats.
Advanced EV Training Strategies
- EV-Reducing Berries: If you accidentally overtrain a stat, you can use EV-reducing berries (like Pomeg Berry for HP, Kelpsy Berry for Attack, Qualot Berry for Defense, etc.) to lower the EVs and redistribute them as needed. These berries can be purchased at the Porto Marinada Market.
- Utilize Auto-Battles: For even more effortless training, let your Pokémon auto-battle in the Asado Desert. Make sure the Pokémon you are training are strong enough to one-hit KO Scatterbug and Tarountula using the “Let’s Go!” feature. While battling, auto-battling will distribute EVs to every Pokemon in your party, making it great for training multiple mons at once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EV Training
1. What Pokémon gives you defense EVs in Scarlet and Violet besides Scatterbug and Tarountula?
While Scatterbug and Tarountula are the most accessible, Orthworm, Hippowdon, and Stonjourner also give Defense EVs. Orthworm is especially good because it gives 2 Defense EVs per encounter.
2. How do you farm EVs in Pokémon?
To farm EVs, defeat specific Pokémon that yield the desired EV stat while equipping a Power item. Power items give bonus EVs, with an additional +8 EV bonus for each knockout.
3. Can a Pokémon have 0 EVs?
Yes, a Pokémon can have 0 EVs. All Pokémon start with 0 EVs in each stat. This is why training is so important to mold your Pokemon the way you want.
4. Do auto battles do anything for EVs?
Yes, auto battles distribute EVs to every Pokemon in your party.
5. How do you increase defense EVs?
Increase Defense EVs by defeating Pokémon that give Defense EVs, such as Scatterbug, Tarountula, Orthworm, Hippowdon, and Stonjourner. Use the Power Belt to gain even more EVs per battle.
6. What is the max EV in Pokémon?
The max EV in Pokémon is 510 EVs total, with a maximum of 252 EVs in a single stat.
7. Are there any cheat codes for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
No, there are no official cheat codes for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. However, there are glitches and workarounds for acquiring extra items and money.
8. What Pokémon has the most defense in Scarlet and Violet?
Orthworm has the highest Defense stat in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, with a base Defense of 145.
9. Which Pokémon gives the most HP EVs?
Pokémon like Jigglypuff, Chansey, Marill, Wooper, Dunsparce, Shellos, Barboach, and Tropius are excellent for farming HP EVs.
10. How many IVs do feathers give?
Feathers, also known as Wings, give 1 EV to the corresponding stat, not IVs. IVs cannot be directly altered through items.
11. What Pokémon give 2 speed EVs?
Cyclizar gives 2 Speed EVs and can be found throughout Paldea.
12. Can you reset EV in Pokémon Violet?
Yes, you can reset EVs in Pokémon Violet by using EV-reducing berries, which can be purchased at the Porto Marinada Market.
13. How many EVs do vitamins give?
Each vitamin gives 10 EVs to the corresponding stat.
14. Do trainer battles raise EVs?
Yes, trainer battles raise EVs just like wild battles.
15. Does Let’s Go mode give EVs?
Yes, using Let’s Go mode does give EVs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
The Importance of Understanding Game Mechanics
Understanding the mechanics behind games, such as Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, can lead to a more strategic and rewarding gaming experience. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be used as tools for learning and engagement. By understanding the underlying systems, you can better strategize and optimize your gameplay. For more information on the intersection of gaming and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to efficiently farm Defense EVs in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, turning your team into an impenetrable fortress. Remember to utilize the Asado Desert, equip the Power Belt, and leverage Encounter Power sandwiches to maximize your gains. Happy training, and may your defenses be ever in your favor!